Zoom lens system and electronic imaging apparatus using the same

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens system includes first through fourth lens groups. Upon zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, the second and third lens groups move while the distance between the first and second lens groups increases, and the distance between the second and third lens groups decreases. The fourth lens group includes a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side; a cemented lens having a positive lens element and a negative lens element; a biconvex positive lens element, and a negative meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side. The following condition (1) is satisfied: 
       1.6&lt; f 1/ f 4&lt;3.0  (1),
 
     wherein f 1  and f 4  designate the focal lengths of the first and fourth lens groups, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zoom lens system and an electronic imaging apparatus using the zoom lens system.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years there has been an increasing need for a zoom lens system in an electronic imaging apparatus, such as a digital camera, etc., to be more compact (miniaturized) and to have higher optical performance.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. H06-51202, 2002-162564 and 2009-288619 disclose a zoom lens system configured of a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side.

In each of the zoom lens systems disclosed in these Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications, the number of lens elements to be used for the entire lens system (especially, for the fourth lens group) is too many, and accordingly such zoom lens systems do not sufficiently reduce the weight the zoom lens system. Moreover, the balance of refractive power over the first lens group to the fourth lens group (in particular, the refractive-power balance between the first lens group and the fourth lens group, the refractive-power balance between the second lens group and the third lens group, and the refractive-power balance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group) are not set adequately. Accordingly, aberrations such as field curvature, astigmatism, distortion, spherical aberration and coma, are not sufficiently corrected, which causes deterioration of the optical performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised with consideration of the above-described problems and provides a zoom lens system which is compact (miniaturized) with smaller number of lens elements thereby achieving light weight, and can favorably correct aberrations, such as field of curvature, astigmatism, distortion, spherical aberration and coma, thereby achieving higher optical performance. The present invention also provides an electronic imaging apparatus which uses such a zoom lens system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least the second lens group and the third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases. The fourth lens group includes a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side, a cemented lens formed from a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side and a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side, in that order from the object side, a biconvex positive lens element, and a negative meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side. The following condition (1) is satisfied:

1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1),

wherein f1 designates the focal length of the first lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (2) to be satisfied:

−8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2),

wherein f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, and f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (3) to be satisfied:

1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3),

wherein f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

In an embodiment, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least the second lens group and the third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied:

1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), and

−8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2),

wherein f1 designates the focal length of the first lens group, f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (3) to be satisfied:

1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3),

wherein f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

In an embodiment, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least the second lens group and the third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases. The following conditions (1) and (3) are satisfied:

1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), and

1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3),

wherein f1 designates the focal length of the first lens group, f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the first lens group to include a positive first sub lens group which does not move in the optical axis direction during focusing, and a positive second sub lens group including a focusing lens group which moves in order to perform a focusing operation.

It is desirable for the following condition (4) to be satisfied:

−0.7<f2/f4<−0.35  (4),

wherein f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (5) to be satisfied:

80<νd4p  (5),

wherein νd4 p designates the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of at least one of the positive lens elements in the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (6) to be satisfied:

1.56<Nd4p  (6),

wherein Nd4 p designates the refractive index of the d-line of the positive lens element, which is provided closest to the object side within the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (7) to be satisfied:

1.70<Nd4n  (7),

wherein Nd4 n designates the refractive index of the d-line of the negative meniscus lens element, which is provided closest to the image side within the fourth lens group.

In an embodiment, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the first lens group does not move along the optical axis direction relative to the imaging plane, and the second lens group and the third lens group are movable in the optical axis direction. The first lens group includes at least one negative lens element. The following condition (8) is satisfied:

νd1n<22.85  (8),

wherein ν d1 n designates the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of the negative lens element, which is provided closest to the object side within the first lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (1) to be satisfied:

1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1),

wherein f1 designates the focal length of the first lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (2) to be satisfied:

−8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2),

wherein f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, and f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (3) to be satisfied:

1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3),

wherein f3 designates the focal length of the third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

It is desirable for the following condition (4) to be satisfied:

−0.7<f2/f4<−0.35  (4),

wherein f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of the fourth lens group.

Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, it is desirable for the first lens group and the fourth lens group not to move relative to the imaging plane.

In an embodiment, an electronic imaging device is provided, including the above-described zoom lens system, and an image sensor that electronically converts images formed through the zoom lens system into electric signals.

According to the present invention, a zoom lens system is achieved, which is compact (miniaturized) with a smaller number of lens elements, thereby achieving light weight and can favorably correct aberrations, such as field of curvature, astigmatism, distortion, spherical aberration and coma, thereby achieving higher optical performance. The present invention also provides an electronic imaging apparatus which uses such a zoom lens system.

The present disclosure relates to subject matters contained in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2012-46297 (filed on Mar. 2, 2012) and 2012-277049 (filed on Dec. 19, 2012) which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be discussed below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a lens arrangement of a first numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a lens arrangement of the first numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a lens arrangement of a second numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows a lens arrangement of a third numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 shows a lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 shows a lens arrangement of a fourth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 19;

FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 shows a lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 22;

FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 shows a lens arrangement of a fifth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 25;

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 shows a lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 28;

FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 shows a lens arrangement of a sixth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C and 32D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 31;

FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 shows a lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C and 35D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 34;

FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 shows a lens arrangement of a seventh numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C and 38D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 37;

FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 shows a lens arrangement of the seventh numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity;

FIGS. 41A, 41B, 41C and 41D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 40;

FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 40; and

FIG. 43 shows zoom paths of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, as shown in the zoom paths of FIG. 43, is configured of a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, and a positive fourth lens group G4, in that order from the object side. The first lens group G1 is configured of a positive first sub lens group G1A and a positive second sub lens group G1B, in that order from the object side. A diaphragm S, which is provided between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3, moves integrally with the third lens group G3 in the optical axis direction. ‘I’ designates the imaging plane.

In the zoom lens system of the present invention, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T), the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 increases, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 decreases, and the distance between the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4 decreases, while within the first lens group G1, the distance between the first sub lens group G1A and the second sub lens group G1B does not change.

Specifically, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T), the first lens group G1 (the first sub lens group G1A, and the second sub lens group G1B) and the fourth lens group G4 are stationary (do not move in the optical axis direction) with respect to the imaging plane I. On the other hand, an arrangement is possible in which the first lens group G1 (the first sub lens group G1A, the second sub lens group G1B) and the fourth lens group G4 can be movable in the optical axis direction upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T).

The second lens group G2 moves monotonically toward the image side upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T).

The third lens group G3, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T), moves toward the image side and thereafter slightly moves toward the object side (i.e., the entire third lens group G3 moves toward the image side with respect to the short focal length extremity (W)), or moves monotonically toward the image side.

The first sub lens group G1A is stationary during focusing, and the second sub lens group G1B is a focusing lens group which is arranged to move toward the object side to perform a focusing operation on an object at infinity to an object at close distance.

In each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the first sub lens group G1A of the first lens group G1 is configured of a cemented lens including a negative lens element 11 and a positive lens element 12, in that order from the object side. The negative lens element 11 is made of a high-dispersion glass material whose Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, is 22.8 (for example, OHARA S-NPH1, produced by OHARA INC.).

In each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the second sub lens group G1B is configured of a positive single lens element 13.

In each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative lens element 21, a cemented lens including a negative lens element 22 and a positive lens element 23, and a negative lens element 24, in that order from the object side.

In each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the third lens group G3 is configured of a cemented lens including a positive lens element 31 and a negative lens element 32, in that order from the object side.

In each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a positive lens element (a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side) 41, a cemented lens including a positive lens element (a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side) 42 and a negative lens element (a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side) 43, a positive lens element (a positive biconvex lens element) 44, and a negative lens element (a meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side) 45, in that order from the object side.

In the zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, the first lens group G1 and the fourth lens group G4 are stationary with respect to the imaging plane I, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (W) to the long focal length extremity (T); zooming is mainly performed by the second lens group G2, and the third lens group G3 is arranged to compensate fluctuation of the imaging plane I that occurs during zooming. Furthermore, the first lens group G1 is divided into the first sub lens group G1A and the second sub lens group G1B, in which the first sub lens group G1A is stationary while the second sub lens group G1B functions as a focusing lens group which is movable to perform focusing. Due to this arrangement, the zoom lens system is achieved in which the entire length of the zoom lens system remains unchanged during both zooming and focusing, and the F-number does not fluctuate much.

In the zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, the fourth lens group G4 is configured of five lens elements, i.e., a positive lens element 41, a cemented lens including a positive lens element 42 and a negative lens element 43, a positive lens element 44 and a negative lens element 45, in that order from the object side, thereby the number of the lens elements can be reduced, and accordingly, not only the fourth lens group G4 but also the entire zoom lens system can achieve weight reduction.

In the zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, the fourth lens group G4 is provided with the majority of image-forming function for zoom lens system. Therefore, the correction of aberrations, such as spherical aberration, coma, field curvature and astigmatism, etc., by the fourth lens group G4 is an important technical issue that needs to be dealt with in order to attain satisfactory optical performance.

Hence, spherical aberration and coma are favorably corrected by providing (in a Gaussian arrangement) the positive lens element (the positive lens element having a convex surface facing toward the object side) 41, the cemented lens including the positive lens element (the positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side) 42 and the negative lens element (the negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side) 43, in that order from the object side, in the front (object-side) portion of the fourth lens group G4.

The rear (image-side) portion of the fourth lens group G4 is provided with the positive lens element (the positive biconvex lens element) 44 and the negative lens element (the meniscus lens element having the convex surface on the image side) 45, in that order from the object side, thereby favorably correcting field curvature and astigmatism.

Furthermore, in the zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, since the refractive power is suitably distributed over the first lens group G1 through the fourth lens group G4, aberrations such as field curvature, astigmatism, distortion, spherical aberration, coma, etc., are suitably corrected, and satisfactory optical performance can be attained.

Condition (1) specifies the ratio of the focal length of the first lens group G1 to that of the fourth lens group G4. By satisfying condition (1), the occurrence of spherical aberration, coma and distortion can be reduced.

If the upper limit of condition (1) is exceeded, the refractive power of the fourth lens group G4 becomes too strong, so that spherical aberration and coma in the entire focal length range (the entire zooming range) easily occurs.

If the lower limit of condition (1) is exceeded, the refractive power of the first lens group G1 becomes too strong, so that a large amount of distortion occurs at the long focal length extremity.

Condition (2) specifies the ratio of the focal length of the third lens group G3 to that of the second lens group G2. By satisfying condition (2), fluctuations in field curvature, coma and astigmatism during zooming, can be reduced.

If the upper limit of condition (2) is exceeded, the refractive power of the third lens group G3 becomes too strong, so that fluctuation of coma during zooming increases.

If the lower limit of condition (2) is exceeded, the refractive power of the second lens group G2 becomes too strong, so that fluctuation of field of curvature and astigmatism during zooming increases.

Condition (3) specifies the ratio of the focal length of the third lens group G3 to that of the fourth lens group G4. By satisfying condition (3), the occurrence of spherical aberration and coma can be reduced, and fluctuation of coma upon zooming can be reduced.

If the upper limit of condition (3) is exceeded, the refractive power of the fourth lens group G4 becomes too strong, so that spherical aberration and coma in the entire focal length range (the entire zooming range) easily occurs.

If the lower limit of condition (3) is exceeded, the refractive power of the third lens group G3 becomes too strong, so that fluctuation of coma upon zooming increases.

Condition (4) specifies the ratio of the focal length of the second lens group G2 to the focal length of the fourth lens group G4. By satisfying condition (4), the occurrence of distortion, spherical aberration and coma can be reduced.

If the upper limit of condition (4) is exceeded, the refractive power of the fourth lens group G4 becomes too weak, so that a large amount of distortion occurs at the long focal length extremity.

If the lower limit of condition (4) is exceeded, the refractive power of the fourth lens group G4 becomes too strong, so that spherical aberration and coma easily occurs over the entire focal length range (the entire zooming range).

Condition (5) specifies the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of at least one of the positive lens elements (41, 42 and 44) in the fourth lens group G4. By making at least one of the positive lens elements (41, 42 and 44) in the fourth lens group G4 out of a glass material having a low dispersion satisfying condition (5) (e.g., an ED lens), axial chromatic aberration can suitably be corrected.

If the lower limit of condition (5) is exceeded, axial chromatic aberration cannot be favorably corrected.

Condition (6) specifies the refractive index with respect to the d-line of the positive lens element 41, which is provided closest to the object side within the fourth lens group G4. By satisfying condition (6), spherical aberration and coma can be favorably corrected.

If the lower limit of condition (6) is exceeded, spherical aberration and coma cannot be favorably corrected.

Condition (7) specifies the refractive index with respect to the d-line of the negative lens element 45, which is provided closest to image side within the fourth lens group G4. By satisfying condition (7), field of curvature and astigmatism can be favorably corrected.

If the lower limit of condition (7) is exceeded, field of curvature and astigmatism cannot be favorably corrected.

As described above, in each of the first through the seventh numerical embodiments, the first lens group G1 is configured of the cemented lens including the negative lens element 11 and the positive lens element 12 (the first sub lens group G1A), and the positive single lens element 13 (the second sub lens group G1B). In an alternative arrangement, the first lens group G1 can include two or more negative lens elements by further adding a negative lens element(s) to the first lens group G1.

Condition (8) specifies the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of the negative lens element 11 which is provided closest to object side in the first lens group G1. By satisfying condition (8), aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration, lateral chromatic aberration, etc., can be favorably corrected, and a superior optical performance can be achieved, especially at the long focal length extremity.

If the upper limit of condition (8) is exceeded, aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration, lateral chromatic aberration, etc., become difficult to correct, especially at the long focal length extremity, and the optical performance deteriorates.

Embodiments

Specific first through seventh numerical embodiments of the zoom lens system according to the present invention will be herein discussed. In the various aberration diagrams, lateral aberration diagrams and the tables, the d-line, g-line and the C-line show aberrations at their respective wave-lengths; S designates the sagittal image, M designates the meridional image, FNO. designates the F-number, f designates the focal length of the entire optical system, W designates the half angle of view (°), Y designates the image height, fB designates the backfocus, L designates the overall length of the lens system, r designates the radius of curvature, d designates the lens thickness or distance between lenses, N(d) designates the refractive index at the d-line, and d designates the Abbe number with respect to the d-line. The unit used for the various lengths is defined in millimeters (mm). No aspherical lens element is not used in each of the first through seventh numerical embodiments.

First Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 1 through 6C and Tables 1 through 3 show a first numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a lens arrangement of the first numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a lens arrangement of the first numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 4. Table 1 shows the lens surface data, Table 2 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 3 shows various data of the lens groups according to the first numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The zoom lens system of the present invention is configured of a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3 and a positive fourth lens group G4 in that order from the object side. A diaphragm S that is located between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 moves with the third group G3. An optical filter OP is located between the fourth lens group G4 and the image plane I.

The first lens group G1 is configured of a positive first sub lens group G1A and a positive second sub lens group G2A, in that order from the object side. The positive first sub lens group G1A is stationary (does not move) and the positive second sub lens group G1B constitutes a focusing lens group which is arranged to move to perform focusing. The positive second sub lens group G1B moves to the object side when focused on an object at infinity to an object at close distance. The first negative sub lens group G1A is configured of a cemented lens including a negative meniscus lens element 11 having a convex surface on the object side, and a positive meniscus lens element 12 having the convex surface on the object side, in that order from the object side. The negative meniscus lens element 11 is made of a high-dispersion glass material whose Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, is 22.8 (for example, OHARA S-NPH1, made by OHARA INC.).

The second sub lens group G1B includes a single positive meniscus lens element 13 having the convex surface on the object side.

The second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element 21, a cemented lens including a negative meniscus lens element 22 having the convex surface on the object side and a positive meniscus lens element 23 having the convex surface on the object side, and a negative biconcave lens element 24, in that order from the object side.

The third lens group G3 is configured of a cemented lens including a positive biconvex lens element 31 and a negative meniscus lens element 32 having the convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side.

The fourth lens group G4 is configured of a positive meniscus lens element having the convex surface on the object side (a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side) 41, a cemented lens including a positive meniscus lens element having the convex surface on the object side (a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side) 42 and a negative meniscus lens element having the convex surface on the object side (a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side) 43, a positive biconvex lens element 44 and a negative meniscus lens element 45 having the convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side.

TABLE 1 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 31.668 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 22.349 5.00 1.49700 81.6  3 918.122 3.54  4 21.783 3.85 1.49700 81.6  5 205.847 d5   6 −252.348 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 13.190 0.75  8 215.787 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 7.859 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 119.798 0.90 11 −15.177 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 268.441 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 41.749 2.60 1.62041 60.3 15 −8.616 0.90 1.85026 32.3 16 −18.303 d16 17 11.173 2.10 1.61800 63.4 18 20.035 1.10 19 9.392 3.30 1.43875 95.0 20 49.987 1.00 1.80100 35.0 21 8.185 0.50 22 13.280 2.75 1.83400 37.2 23 −22.894 1.85 24 −9.118 1.00 1.74077 27.8 25 −21.410 8.65 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 2 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.85 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.8 2.9 2.9 f 15.45 26.00 44.10 W 17.5 10.2 5.9 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 2.71 2.71 2.71 L 67.00 67.00 67.00 d5 2.50 8.47 12.21 d12 8.85 6.23 1.48 d16 4.70 1.35 2.36

TABLE 3 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1^(st) Surf. Focal Length 1 1 33.39 2 6 −7.81 3 14 29.05 4 17 20.61

Second Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 7 through 12C and Tables 4 through 6 show a second numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 7. FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 shows a lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 10. Table 4 shows the lens surface data, Table 5 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 6 shows various data of the lens groups according to the second numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points.

(1) The negative lens element 21 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative planoconcave lens element having a concave surface on the image side; and

(2) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 4 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 32.710 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 22.977 7.00 1.49700 81.6  3 642.613 3.78  4 24.052 3.90 1.49700 81.6  5 343.630 d5   6 ∞ 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 16.669 0.65  8 −76.672 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 8.141 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 151.581 0.75 11 −17.229 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 64.233 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 79.730 2.50 1.63854 55.4 15 −10.326 0.90 1.91082 35.2 16 −20.877 d16 17 12.140 3.00 1.61800 63.4 18 39.593 1.15 19 9.082 3.50 1.49700 81.6 20 90.187 1.00 1.80100 35.0 21 7.652 0.55 22 13.401 2.80 1.83481 42.7 23 −21.300 0.85 24 −9.404 1.85 1.74077 27.8 25 −21.160 5.00 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 5 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.84 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 2.9 2.9 f 15.45 26.00 43.85 W 17.6 10.2 5.9 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 7.51 7.51 7.51 L 71.35 71.35 71.35 d5 2.60 8.84 13.04 d12 7.23 5.69 1.60 d16 6.38 1.68 1.58

TABLE 6 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 35.86 2 6 −7.87 3 14 39.33 4 17 17.17

Third Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 13 through 18C and Tables 7 through 9 show a third numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 13. FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 shows a lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 16. FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 16. Table 7 shows the lens surface data, Table 8 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 9 shows various data of the lens groups according to the third numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points:

(1) The positive lens element 12 of the first lens group G1 (the first sub lens group G1A) is configured of a positive biconvex lens element;

(2) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element;

(3) The positive lens element 42 of the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a positive biconvex lens element; and

(4) The negative lens element 43 of the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 7 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 66.033 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 37.629 5.30 1.49700 81.6  3 −206.928 4.45  4 23.718 3.90 1.49700 81.6  5 128.916 d5   6 −72.179 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 26.493 0.50  8 −77.883 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 9.781 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 568.348 0.45 11 −31.220 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 43.320 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 39.879 2.60 1.69680 55.5 15 −9.873 0.90 1.85026 32.3 16 −27.913 d16 17 10.168 6.55 1.62041 60.3 18 46.935 0.75 19 12.674 3.50 1.49700 81.6 20 −11.279 1.00 1.83400 37.2 21 8.211 0.25 22 10.030 2.95 1.83481 42.7 23 −19.100 1.10 24 −8.053 1.00 1.77250 49.6 25 −31.460 5.08 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 8 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.83 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 3.0 3.0 f 15.45 26.00 43.70 W 17.5 10.2 6.0 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 2.58 2.58 2.58 L 71.98 71.98 71.98 d5 2.60 11.94 17.78 d12 9.21 6.48 1.64 d16 8.85 2.25 1.25

TABLE 9 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 43.71 2 6 −10.21 3 14 31.29 4 17 20.95

Fourth Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 19 through 24C and Tables 10 through 12 show a fourth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 19 shows a lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 19. FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 22 shows a lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 22. FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 22. Table 10 shows the lens surface data, Table 11 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 12 shows various data of the lens groups according to the fourth numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points:

(1) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element;

(2) The positive lens element 23 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a positive biconvex lens element;

(3) The positive lens element 42 of the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a positive biconvex lens element; and

(4) The negative lens element 43 of the fourth lens group

G4 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 10 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 33.720 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 24.725 5.05 1.49700 81.6  3 179.826 4.39  4 28.313 3.65 1.49700 81.6  5 444.801 d5   6 −98.737 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 18.393 1.00  8 −20.217 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 13.949 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 −39.218 0.25 11 −37.210 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 181.034 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 146.637 2.65 1.72916 54.7 15 −11.736 0.90 1.90366 31.3 16 −38.854 d16 17 10.930 6.15 1.64000 60.1 18 1982.179 0.55 19 8.701 3.50 1.43875 95.0 20 −14.272 1.00 1.79952 42.2 21 7.865 0.50 22 13.856 3.75 1.81600 46.6 23 −23.057 0.75 24 −8.568 1.00 1.72916 54.7 25 −19.384 5.00 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 11 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.87 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 2.9 2.9 f 15.45 26.00 44.30 W 17.6 10.2 5.9 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 5.64 5.64 5.64 L 73.98 73.98 73.98 d5 2.50 10.38 15.92 d12 8.62 7.76 1.37 d16 8.69 1.66 2.52

TABLE 12 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 41.80 2 6 −10.66 3 14 74.60 4 17 16.79

Fifth Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 25 through 30C and Tables 13 through 15 show a fifth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 25 shows a lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 25. FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 28 shows a lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 28. FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 28. Table 13 shows the lens surface data, Table 14 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 15 shows various data of the lens groups according to the fifth numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following point:

(1) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 13 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 35.338 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 24.990 6.40 1.49700 81.6  3 690.628 3.85  4 23.872 3.90 1.49700 81.6  5 262.419 d5   6 −238.384 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 16.865 0.65  8 −398.851 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 7.670 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 93.036 0.65 11 −17.081 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 54.165 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 53.348 2.60 1.65160 58.5 15 −9.540 0.90 1.90366 31.3 16 −18.782 d16 17 11.929 3.70 1.60300 65.5 18 24.914 0.25 19 9.037 3.50 1.49700 81.6 20 69.302 1.00 1.80610 33.3 21 7.737 0.55 22 13.341 3.10 1.83481 42.7 23 −20.699 1.00 24 −9.383 1.45 1.76200 40.1 25 −21.077 7.00 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 14 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.85 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 3.0 3.0 f 15.45 26.00 44.00 W 17.5 10.2 5.9 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 4.90 4.90 4.90 L 70.58 70.58 70.58 d5 2.60 9.43 13.89 d12 7.30 5.38 1.57 d16 6.83 1.92 1.27

TABLE 15 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 36.86 2 6 −7.85 3 14 29.59 4 17 19.00

Sixth Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 31 through 36C and Tables 16 through 18 show a sixth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 31 shows a lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C and 32D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 31. FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 34 shows a lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C and 35D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 34. FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 34. Table 16 shows the lens surface data, Table 17 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 18 shows various data of the lens groups according to the sixth numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points:

(1) The negative lens element 21 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative planoconcave lens element having a concave surface on the image side;

(2) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element;

(3) The positive lens element 23 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a positive biconvex lens element;

(4) The positive lens element 42 of the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a positive biconvex lens element; and

(5) The negative lens element 43 of the fourth lens group G4 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 16 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 28.808 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 21.433 6.10 1.49700 81.6  3 279.429 4.42  4 28.951 3.20 1.49700 81.6  5 199.646 d5   6 ∞ 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 17.532 0.70  8 −21.241 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 10.612 2.45 1.84666 23.8 10 −139.010 0.80 11 −32.989 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 74.911 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 175.856 2.65 1.76200 40.1 15 −9.259 0.90 1.85026 32.3 16 −37.092 d16 17 10.392 4.35 1.62041 60.3 18 344.176 0.10 19 9.997 3.50 1.49700 81.6 20 −16.204 1.00 1.79952 42.2 21 7.766 0.45 22 12.117 4.55 1.83481 42.7 23 −18.232 0.70 24 −8.477 4.55 1.80518 25.4 25 −22.810 7.43 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 17 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.88 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 3.4 3.5 f 15.45 26.00 44.55 W 17.7 10.3 5.9 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 2.74 2.74 2.74 L 73.98 73.98 73.98 d5 2.50 9.56 14.67 d12 5.31 5.36 1.40 d16 9.59 2.49 1.33

TABLE 18 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 39.85 2 6 −8.77 3 14 56.52 4 17 16.10

Seventh Numerical Embodiment

FIGS. 37 through 42C and Tables 19 through 21 show a seventh numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system according to the present invention. FIG. 37 shows a lens arrangement of the seventh numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C and 38D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 37. FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 37. FIG. 40 shows a lens arrangement of the seventh numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. FIGS. 41A, 41B, 41C and 41D show various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 40. FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement shown in FIG. 40. Table 19 shows the lens surface data, Table 20 shows various data of the zoom lens system, and Table 21 shows various data of the lens groups according to the seventh numerical embodiment of the present invention.

The lens arrangement of the seventh numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points:

(1) The positive lens element 12 of the first lens group G1 (the first sub lens group G1A) is configured of a positive biconvex lens element; and

(2) The negative lens element 22 of the second lens group G2 is configured of a negative biconcave lens element.

TABLE 19 SURFACE DATA Surf. No. r d N(d) νd  1 47.193 1.20 1.80810 22.8  2 30.335 4.30 1.49700 81.6  3 −443.863 3.91  4 23.306 3.90 1.49700 81.6  5 230.761 d5   6 −55.437 0.90 1.81600 46.6  7 17.822 0.70  8 −1676.358 1.00 1.77250 49.6  9 8.220 2.50 1.84666 23.8 10 94.632 0.80 11 −22.977 0.90 1.81600 46.6 12 83.527 d12 13 diaphragm ∞ 1.00 14 40.633 2.90 1.69680 55.5 15 −9.045 0.90 1.85026 32.3 16 −21.935 d16 17 12.845 5.50 1.59240 68.3 18 26.655 0.10 19 9.600 3.40 1.49700 81.6 20 159.172 1.00 1.80610 33.3 21 8.174 0.65 22 14.881 2.60 1.83481 42.7 23 −34.835 2.00 24 −9.404 1.00 1.71300 53.9 25 −16.184 7.27 26 ∞ 1.00 1.51633 64.1 27 ∞ —

TABLE 20 ZOOM LENS SYSTEM DATA Zoom Ratio: 2.80 Short Focal Length Intermediate Long Focal Length Extremity Focal Length Extremity FNO. 2.9 2.9 2.9 f 15.45 26.00 43.30 W 17.4 10.2 6.0 Y 4.65 4.65 4.65 fB 2.96 2.96 2.96 L 70.81 70.81 70.81 d5 2.60 10.60 15.36 d12 8.25 5.80 1.73 d16 7.57 2.02 1.32

TABLE 21 LENS GROUP DATA Lens Group 1st Surf. Focal Length 1 1 38.18 2 6 −8.56 3 14 26.11 4 17 23.06

The numerical values of each condition for each embodiment are shown in Table 22.

TABLE 22 1^(st) Embod. 2^(nd) Embod. 3^(rd) Embod. 4^(th) Embod. Cond. (1) 1.62 2.09 2.09 2.49 Cond. (2) −3.72 −5.00 −3.06 −7.00 Cond. (3) 1.41 2.29 1.49 4.44 Cond. (4) −0.38 −0.46 −0.49 −0.64 Cond. (5) 94.94 81.55 81.55 94.96 Cond. (6) 1.61800 1.61800 1.62041 1.64000 Cond. (7) 1.74077 1.74077 1.77250 1.72916 Cond. (8) 22.76 22.76 22.76 22.76 5^(th) Embod. 6^(th) Embod. 7^(th) Embod. Cond. (1) 1.94 2.48 1.66 Cond. (2) −3.77 −6.44 −3.05 Cond. (3) 1.56 3.51 1.13 Cond. (4) −0.41 −0.55 −0.37 Cond. (5) 81.55 81.55 81.55 Cond. (6) 1.60300 1.62041 1.59240 Cond. (7) 1.76200 1.80518 1.71300 Cond. (8) 22.76 22.76 22.76

As can be understood from the above explanation and the aberration diagrams, the aberrations of the first through seventh embodiments are well corrected in spite of relatively few number of lens elements.

Obvious changes may be made in the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein, such modifications being within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed. It is indicated that all matter contained herein is illustrative and does not limit the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A zoom lens system comprising a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least said second lens group and said third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between said first lens group and said second lens group increases, and the distance between said second lens group and said third lens group decreases, wherein said fourth lens group includes a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side, a cemented lens formed from a positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side and a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side, in that order from the object side, a biconvex positive lens element, and a negative meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side, and wherein the following condition (1) is satisfied: 1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), wherein f1 designates the focal length of said first lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 2. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (2) is satisfied: −8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2), wherein f2 designates the focal length of said second lens group, and f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group.
 3. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (3) is satisfied: 1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3), wherein f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 4. A zoom lens system comprising a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least said second lens group and said third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between said first lens group and said second lens group increases, and the distance between said second lens group and said third lens group decreases, and wherein the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), and −8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2), wherein f1 designates the focal length of said first lens group, f2 designates the focal length of said second lens group, f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 5. The zoom lens system according to claim 4, wherein the following condition (3) is satisfied: 1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3), wherein f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 6. A zoom lens system comprising a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, at least said second lens group and said third lens group move in the optical axis direction so that the distance between said first lens group and said second lens group increases, and the distance between said second lens group and said third lens group decreases, and wherein the following conditions (1) and (3) are satisfied: 1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), and 1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3), wherein f1 designates the focal length of said first lens group, f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 7. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein said first lens group comprises a positive first sub lens group which does not move in the optical axis direction during focusing, and a positive second sub lens group including a focusing lens group which moves in order to perform a focusing operation.
 8. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (4) is satisfied: −0.7<f2/f4<−0.35  (4), wherein f2 designates the focal length of said second lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 9. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (5) is satisfied: 80<νd4p  (5), wherein νd4 p designates the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of at least one of said positive lens elements in said fourth lens group.
 10. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (6) is satisfied: 1.56<Nd4p  (6), wherein Nd4 p designates the refractive index at the d-line of said positive lens element, which is provided closest to the object side within said fourth lens group.
 11. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (7) is satisfied: 1.70<Nd4n  (7), wherein Nd4 n designates the refractive index at the d-line of said negative meniscus lens element, which is provided closest to the image side within said fourth lens group.
 12. A zoom lens system comprising a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, said first lens group does not move along the optical axis direction relative to the imaging plane, and said second lens group and said third lens group are movable in the optical axis direction; wherein said first lens group comprises at least one negative lens element, and wherein the following condition (8) is satisfied: νd1n<22.85  (8), wherein νd1 n designates the Abbe number, with respect to the d-line, of said negative lens element, which is provided closest to the object side within said first lens group.
 13. The zoom lens system according to claim 12, wherein the following condition (1) is satisfied: 1.6<f1/f4<3.0  (1), wherein f1 designates the focal length of said first lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 14. The zoom lens system according to claim 12, wherein the following condition (2) is satisfied: −8.0<f3/f2<−3.0  (2), wherein f2 designates the focal length of said second lens group, and f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group.
 15. The zoom lens system according to claim 12, wherein the following condition (3) is satisfied: 1.4<f3/f4<5.0  (3), wherein f3 designates the focal length of said third lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 16. The zoom lens system according to claim 12, wherein the following condition (4) is satisfied: −0.7<f2/f4<−0.35  (4), wherein f2 designates the focal length of said second lens group, and f4 designates the focal length of said fourth lens group.
 17. The zoom lens system according to claim 1, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, said first lens group and said fourth lens group do not move relative to the imaging plane.
 18. An electronic imaging device comprises the zoom lens system according to claim 1, and an image sensor that electronically converts images formed through said zoom lens system into electric signals. 